The story of Lagos, or at least a major section of it, will be incomplete without a chapter on those who provide the fuel needed to keep the people of this megacity constantly moving: street food sellers. I visit Iya Eba restaurant, who for more than 50 years has contributed to the history of the city one plate at a time.

The Ukrainian government has donated 25,000 tonnes of wheat to Nigeria, simultaneously announcing plans to develop grain hubs for constant supply of grain and food products. To better understand the reasoning behind this decision, one must understand the influence of donor countries’ foreign policy interests on the history and evolution of food aid programmes.

Money-spraying is not the problem and should be seen not as the lack of national pride but as a display of cultural pride: a cherished tradition that shows deep respect and appreciation for the power of music and dance. 

While we urgently need to address the inefficiencies in Nigeria’s yam value chain to support the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and provide more affordable food to the country, it is essential to look beyond food security and apply a food sovereignty lens.

A history of wheat finds the crop gaining popularity during the colonial era when white bread made from imported wheat was mostly consumed by wealthy foreigners.